As of June 2026, Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining has an AI-exposure score of 41/100 (Moderate exposure) on the AI-Safe Careers index, blending O*NET tasks, the Anthropic Economic Index, the Penn/OpenAI study, and BLS data. This is an estimate of task exposure, not a prediction of job loss.

AI Exposure Score for

Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining

41/100
Moderate exposure
LowModerateElevatedHighVery High

More exposed than 12% of the roles we track. Median pay ~US$57,430. About 3,100 projected openings a year (BLS 2024–34 — growth plus replacement).

Pay & demand figures are US medians (BLS, in USD) — your local figures will differ. Your exposure score applies broadly.

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How you compare to similar Construction roles

Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining (you)
41
Helpers--Electricians
41
Fence Erectors
41
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
41
Segmental Pavers
41
Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners
41
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Your tasks, by AI exposure

Automatable

No automatable tasks identified for this role — its real, individually-assessed tasks consistently read as augmentable (69%).

Augmentable
  • Direct workers engaged in placing blocks or outriggers to prevent capsizing of machines when lifting heavy loads.
  • Measure and verify levels of rock or gravel, bases, or other excavated material.
  • Direct ground workers engaged in activities such as moving stakes or markers, or changing positions of towers.
  • Receive written or oral instructions regarding material movement or excavation.
  • Become familiar with digging plans, machine capabilities and limitations, and efficient and safe digging procedures in a given application.
  • Lubricate, adjust, or repair machinery and replace parts, such as gears, bearings, or bucket teeth.
  • Observe hand signals, grade stakes, or other markings when operating machines so that work can be performed to specifications.
  • Handle slides, mud, or pit cleanings or maintenance.
  • Perform manual labor to prepare or finish sites, such as shoveling materials by hand.
  • Move materials over short distances, such as around a construction site, factory, or warehouse.
  • Create or maintain inclines or ramps.
Durable
  • Set up or inspect equipment prior to operation.
  • Move levers, depress foot pedals, and turn dials to operate power machinery, such as power shovels, stripping shovels, scraper loaders, or backhoes.
  • Operate machinery to perform activities such as backfilling excavations, vibrating or breaking rock or concrete, or making winter roads.
  • Adjust dig face angles for varying overburden depths and set lengths.
  • Drive machines to work sites.

Safer adjacent roles

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
80% skills overlap · Moderate exposure · ~US$59,850
41
Construction Laborers
72% skills overlap · Low exposure · ~US$47,120
39
Hoist and Winch Operators
64% skills overlap · Moderate exposure · ~US$56,450
43
Continuous Mining Machine Operators
56% skills overlap · Low exposure · ~US$61,810
34
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
48% skills overlap · Moderate exposure · ~US$65,510
47
Crane and Tower Operators
40% skills overlap · Moderate exposure · ~US$68,080
46
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators
40% skills overlap · Moderate exposure · ~US$46,420
46
Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining
40% skills overlap · Low exposure · ~US$74,500
38

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Important: This is an estimate of AI exposure, not a prediction that your job will disappear. It is designed to help you understand how your role may change and improve your career resilience.